According to the story, there are a number of alleged violations of OSHA laws, including reports that workers threw materials with asbestos out of a window during renovations of the university''s president''s office, failed to perform an inspection for asbestos before the floor was removed, disturbed and removed asbestos without monitoring and released asbestos particles into the air.

State Department of Labor spokeswoman Nancy Steffan said: "Once we became aware of the asbestos issue we decided it would be a good idea to send a compliance officer on site to conduct an investigation."

According to documents obtained by The Courant under a Freedom of Information Act request, officials at the university admitted they were in violation of OSHA laws, the story stated.

UConn spokesman Michael Kirk said: "The university is, of course, cooperating with state OSHA representatives and will continue to do everything possible to safeguard the health of our students, faculty and staff."

Seven people have undergone medical screening for asbestos exposure and related health problems, the story added.